An exciting venue where you can experience inspiring exhibitions, explore our curated art collection and inspire young minds through innovative school programs.
In its seventeenth year, this annual acquisitive award and exhibition is organised by the Art Collection and Galleries Unit at Deakin University.
In 2026, one outstanding work was awarded $15,000, supported by Michael and Emily Tong, and became part of the Deakin University Art Collection. The winner was announced at the opening of a seven-week exhibition of finalists' works. Entries are open from April to June each year.
Installation image of the Deakin University Contemporary Small Sculpture Award 2026, featuring works (L-R) by; Sean Meilak, A Series of Transpositions; Katey Smoker, Persistence; Andre Sardone, Habitat for the locals; Pia de Bruyn, No Pride; Dónal Molloy-Drum, Haven Wall; Marija Patterson, I am so glad I left; De Lamby Wulff, Brainstorm; Laurel Kohut, One Last Embrace; Martin Moore, Bruiser; Brenda Page, Before Absence; Ian Munday, Making art…; Lucie Billingsley, Spores in Moonlight © and image courtesy of the artists. Photo by Fiona Hamilton.
Exhibitions are held at the Deakin University Art Gallery, located on our Melbourne Burwood Campus. You can also browse a selection of past exhibitions, including immersive virtual tours or view interactive catalogues of past exhibitions.
The Deakin University Contemporary Small Sculpture Award, established in 2009, is organised by the Art Collection and Galleries Unit at Deakin University. The award celebrates contemporary sculptures from artists around Australia, culminating in an exhibition of finalists' work held in August to October each year at the Deakin University Art Gallery.
You can support Deakin University Art Gallery by making a tax-deductible donation, helping fund exhibitions, student opportunities and future programs. Every contribution has a real impact, with stories of giving showing how support directly enables artists to create and share their work.
Immerse yourself in the ideas behind the art through artist interviews, panel discussions and more on our Deakin University Art Gallery YouTube playlist.
Known as ELK, Luke Cornish is one of Australia’s leading stencil artists. Here, he reflects on his career, ideas and process from his survey exhibition at Deakin University Art Gallery.
Artist Anindita Banerjee discusses her exhibition দাদার খোঁজে Finding Dada at Deakin University Art Gallery.
To mark Deakin’s 50th year, artists, staff and students share reflections on the Art Collection, from favourite works to pieces of their own.
The Deakin University Art Gallery is in Building FA, open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm, during scheduled exhibition dates (closed public holidays). Free admission.
To find the gallery, enter Deakin University via Entrance 1 (Holland Avenue), off Burwood Highway. Continue straight for 500 metres. As you pass the overhead footbridge, the gallery is on your right. If arriving by car, you can park in any of the bays on the left of Holland Avenue. Alternatively, follow Holland Avenue all the way around to the second parking entrance.
Banner image: Installation image of the Andrew Rogers: New Work exhibition at the Deakin University Art Gallery (detail), 2024. © courtesy of the artist. Photo by Fiona Hamilton.
Exhibitions: Installation image of the Andrew Rogers: New Work exhibition at the Deakin University Art Gallery, 2024. © courtesy of the artist. Photo by Fiona Hamilton.
Art Collection: Dean Bowen, Eastbound – Westbound 2008, oil on linen, Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program by Mr Dean Bowen 2012, Deakin University Art Collection, © courtesy of the artist and Salt Contemporary Art, Queenscliff; Arthouse Gallery, Sydney; and Australian Galleries, Melbourne and Sydney. Photo by Simon Peter Fox.
School programs: Students from Emmaus College, inspired by Terry Matassoni's Art Tram 837 create their own Art Tram designs at the Burwood campus during a Schools Program, 2025. Photo by Tabitha Davies.
Finding Dada: Anindita Banerjee, Ishaan, 2025 #2, 2025/26, inkjet print on Ilford cotton rag paper, collection of the artist, © the artist.
Obiectivus: Suzie Idiens, Untitled #26 2026, laminate on black MDF, 50 x 50 x 10cm. © and image courtesy of the artist. Photo by Fiona Susanto.
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